Auburn will have to replace 16 seniors next season but only five of them were starters and five more made significant contributions.

But there are four key juniors that are considering an early jump to the NFL. All four were starters for AU's defense and are desperately needed back next season to help the Tigers bounce back from their first losing season in nine years.

"We've had some go, we've had some stay," AU head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "We've got a couple of guys that will probably look at it, as every team does every year. It won't be the end of the world but what we'll do is sit them down and give them the best advice we possibly can to help their future because it's their future."